More adventurous McLeish can help Aston Villa tame Man Utd

Villa Park has not been a particularly happy hunting ground for Manchester United in recent seasons and they could leave the ground frustrated again after their latest visit.

Aston Villa have failed to win any of their last 15 Premier League home games with Manchester United and therefore 4/1 seems about right that they finally achieve victory this season.

However, despite these lack of wins, the last three meetings at Villa Park have ended all square and there are grounds to suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson will fall further behind neighbours Manchester City in the title picture.

One of the big criticisms labelled at Villa manager Alex McLeish has been his largely defensive style and it appears that he will be more risky with his team selection for the arrival of the Premier League champions.

Jermaine Jenas seems to have fully recovered from injury and will add some vital ball retention to the middle of the midfield in what will be his first start for the club.

Meanwhile, Barry Bannan is also set to feature and the young Scot has arguably looked like Villa’s most thrusting player so far this season, always looking for a forward pass and a killer through ball.

Furthermore, Manchester United arguably do not look the force of days gone by and it is in the central midfield area that Villa will look to get on the front foot, particularly as this is where the Red Devils have looked weakest.

Premier League odds of 11/10 certainly seem decent value in the double chance market that Aston Villa avoid defeat and claim either a win or draw.

The fact the Villa have been somewhat draw specialists so far this season, sharing the points in seven of their 13 games to date, only enhances this belief.